To promote Nepal’s adventure and experience-based tourism, the eighth edition of the Nepal Riders Meet is set to take place in Lalitpur from Falgun 2 to 4 (February 14 to February 16). The event will be organized at Chhapkharka, Godawari–2, Lalitpur, according to Arjun Thapa, Coordinator of The Himalayan Motorcycle Experience, the organizing body of the meet. Thapa shared the details during a press conference held on Monday at the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) auditorium.
The three-day event is expected to attract more than 550 motorcycle riders from Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and other countries, making it one of the largest motorcycle tourism gatherings in the region.
Motorcycle riding as a tourism promotion tool
Addressing the press conference, Surya Thapaliya, Senior Manager at the Nepal Tourism Board, highlighted the growing importance of motorcycle riding as a tourism product for Nepal.
He stated that such events help diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings beyond traditional trekking and mountaineering, contributing significantly to road trips, adventure tourism, and cross-border tourism expansion.
“Motorcycle riding can be an effective medium for promoting Nepal’s tourism,” Thapaliya said. “Events like the Nepal Riders Meet play a vital role in promoting adventure and experience-based tourism. If we can attract riders from our southern neighbor India, where bike riding culture is strong, Nepal’s tourist arrivals could increase significantly.”
He further noted that motorcycle tourism allows visitors to experience Nepal’s culture and nature up close, adding that riding is not just about travel but also about meaningful interaction with local communities and landscapes.
Strengthening riding culture and brotherhood
Speaking at the event, representatives from organizing and supporting institutions emphasized the Nepal Riders Meet’s importance for the riding community. Shakil Gauchan from FORE Nepal, Megaraj Poudel, Director of supporting partner Royal Enfield, and Anil Kafle, President of The Himalayan Club, described the Nepal Riders Meet as a major festival for riders.
They stressed the need to develop motorcycle riding as a key tourism product, noting that such events help foster brotherhood, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding among riders from different countries. According to them, motorcycle tourism not only promotes adventure but also plays a role in showcasing Nepal’s cultural heritage, hospitality, and diversity.
Regional adventure tourism destination
Organizers believe that the participation of hundreds of domestic and international riders will help establish Nepal as an attractive regional destination for adventure tourism. The Nepal Riders Meet began in 2013 in Bardiya with just a handful of participants. Over the years, it has grown steadily, now welcoming over 500 riders annually. Through this platform, organizers aim to promote Nepal’s natural beauty, cultural diversity, scenic highways, and warm hospitality to a global audience.
“Motorcycle tourism provides a unique opportunity to experience destinations closely and authentically,” the organizers said. “It also serves as a powerful medium to share travel stories internationally.”
Past destinations and global promotion
The Nepal Riders Meet has previously been organized in destinations such as Bardiya, Chitwan, and Manang, among others. Each edition highlights different regions of Nepal, helping to distribute tourism benefits beyond major hubs.
Organizers are confident that through digital platforms, rider networks, and media coverage, the event will continue to promote Nepal’s tourism destinations at the international level. With growing interest in adventure travel and road-based tourism, the upcoming Nepal Riders Meet is expected to further strengthen Nepal’s image as a hub for motorcycle adventure and experiential travel.
